South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has supported the removal of statues that glorify the country's apartheid past.
He said "any symbol, monument or activity that glorifies racism, that represents our ugly past, has no place in democratic South Africa".
"Monuments glorifying our divisive past should be re-positioned and relocated," he said in a virtual address on Thursday as the country marked Heritage Day - an annual public holiday to celebrate the country's diverse cultures.
Mr Ramaphosa said removal of the statues shouldn't be taken as erasing of history, but as a way of "being sensitive to the lived experiences of all this country’s people".
"We make no apologies for this because our objective is to build a united nation," he added.
The campaign to remove statues of historical apartheid figures has been growing in the country, gaining support mainly from blacks.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
2 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
3 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
3 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
4 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
4 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
4 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
4 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
4 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
5 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
5 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
6 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
7 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
7 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
7 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours